Harry Frankel

Harry Frankel started as a minstrel performer, but became best known on network radio as “Singing Sam, the Barbasol Man” due to his 12-year association with the shaving creme company. Earlier he had pitched lawn mowers on WLW, Cincinnati, and coffee on WTAM, Cleveland. Frankel opened his singing programs with “Howdy folks! This is your old friend, Singing Sam.” Frankel had moved to Richmond, Indiana, at age 11 and thereafter called it home, returning there when he could. He retired in 1946, and died June 12, 1948. “Singing Sam” was buried in Richmond.

Indiana Broadcast Pioneers